Nikon D90 Vs Canon 40D, 50D

[Yapster]

Not sure if I am speaking for everyone. Dun you feel you care less about hardware when you REALLY start to love shooting? Unless the kaki of your keep showing off his new toy.

Hmm, actually, in fact i care more about the hardware when i start to love shooting and is more serious about the shoot.

But i buy within my budget and buy for my own sake.
Even if my friend show off his new toy, i am not really affected.
Cos the shot produced by them reminds me, the man behind it really matters.
Upgrade at your own pace.

 

[plastikcanvas]

Canon 40D + 50D = Nikon D90

Get D90. Because I love Nikon's ergonomics, design, lenses and the commitment to photography and this is also a Nikon threat!

P.S. Get your GF to sell that toy camera!

Hmm, whatever led you to rethink should be the consideration point i guess?



Agree with fellow CSers that if you have a tight budget, sharing the system is better.

40D and 50D were in my shortlisted models too, but after feeling and holding both cameras, as well as playing with the menus and functions, i went for the D90. The D90 feels more natural when i hold it than the 40D/50D. So its all up to personal preference, as well as your budget.

Lunas: It's gonna be hard for her to sell her 450D!! It will not happen. haha. And what an equation you came up with, I don't think people will agree that Nikon D90 is = 40D ++ 50D.

Yapster: I guess it's a new toy with new features while canon 40D is past tense? Getting a newer model is always better BUT once again its the functions, usability, Budget etc.

Hack: I guess I need to really go feel it and test it but for now D90 seems to be Out of stock whenever I go. 40D seems a little bulky though compared to Nikon D90. So hows the D90 so far...good? Please tell me the Cons of D90 from your own experience. It will help lots.

How about cons of 40D to those who own the machine?

Cons that I read so far was:
1. Same resolution and sensor size as the much cheaper EOS 400D; Live view allows only manual focus.
2. Noise at ISO 3200

At the end of the day, i agree that the photographer plays a part too, no matter how expensive the camera can be if you do not have the "eye" no use.
In terms of lens and accessories, which is more flexible and affordable? Canon 40D or Nikon D90? Thanks all.

Note: I am slanting more to the side of Canon 40D now.

 

[lsisaxon]

Lunas: It's gonna be hard for her to sell her 450D!! It will not happen. haha. And what an equation you came up with, I don't think people will agree that Nikon D90 is = 40D ++ 50D.

I think he meant it mathematically.. ;p

 

[.Hack]

Hack: I guess I need to really go feel it and test it but for now D90 seems to be Out of stock whenever I go. 40D seems a little bulky though compared to Nikon D90. So hows the D90 so far...good? Please tell me the Cons of D90 from your own experience. It will help lots.

Felt the same way as you too. Held the 40D and 50D, felt abit bulky and heavy.
Navigation of the buttons are not as "natural" as the D90, but that's my personal opinion, different people will feel differently.
The moment i held the D90 on my hands, i know that high chances i will be getting it.
Felt really comfortable when holding the D90, compared to the 40D and 50D. Tried out the functions, in the end i got the D90.

As for performance of D90, so far so good for me.
I jump from a PnS camera to a DSLR, so the functions and picture quality are all a big jump to me.
So far have not encounter any Cons for the D90.

 

[Reportage]

without going to deep on the software side, main differences are
For D90
* 2 extra megapixels
* High resolution 3" inch screen 920,000 dots vs 230,000 dots
* Ability to record movie at 24fps with sound.
* Face detection on Live View Mode
* ISO range up to 3200, boostable to 6400 (Canon 40D max ISO is 3200)
* 11 points AF compare to 9 points AF.
For 40D
* Magnesium Alloy body is stronger and tougher with environmental seal
* 6.5 fps compare to Nikon's 4.5 fps.

so ask yourself,
1) Is keeping your GF happy worth getting a Canon camera?
2) Will you be using the D90 video function?
3) Have you seen each camera performance at iso1600 and above?
4) Is face detection required?
5) Is the LCD spec important?
6) Is durability and weather sealing important?
7) Do you intend to use "machine gun" function for photos?

 

[lsisaxon]

Hack: I guess I need to really go feel it and test it but for now D90 seems to be Out of stock whenever I go. 40D seems a little bulky though compared to Nikon D90. So hows the D90 so far...good? Please tell me the Cons of D90 from your own experience. It will help lots.

One of the cons of D90 which irritates me... cannot use D2XModeI picture control. It might not affect you though.. ;p

 

[gollum]

One of the cons of D90 which irritates me... cannot use D2XModeI picture control. It might not affect you though.. ;p

can convert via capture nx

 

[faineant]

I hope no one buys an SLR just for the video function. That would be an absolute charlie thing to do.

Consider the cost benefits due to sharing. That is a strong enough reason to show you the way. All I can say is, once you go 920K dots; you can never go back.

 

[plastikcanvas]

I hope no one buys an SLR just for the video function. That would be an absolute charlie thing to do.

Consider the cost benefits due to sharing. That is a strong enough reason to show you the way. All I can say is, once you go 920K dots; you can never go back.

Thanks guys, i went to have a feel of the Canon 40D earlier on and it was good so far. haven felt the D90 yet. Don't worry faineant I won't go for a DSLR because if the video function! haha it's ridiculous.

Btw what do you mean by "All I can say is, once you go 920K dots; you can never go back."

Thanks.

 

[plastikcanvas]

without going to deep on the software side, main differences are
For D90
* 2 extra megapixels
* High resolution 3" inch screen 920,000 dots vs 230,000 dots
* Ability to record movie at 24fps with sound.
* Face detection on Live View Mode
* ISO range up to 3200, boostable to 6400 (Canon 40D max ISO is 3200)
* 11 points AF compare to 9 points AF.
For 40D
* Magnesium Alloy body is stronger and tougher with environmental seal
* 6.5 fps compare to Nikon's 4.5 fps.

so ask yourself,
1) Is keeping your GF happy worth getting a Canon camera?
2) Will you be using the D90 video function?
3) Have you seen each camera performance at iso1600 and above?
4) Is face detection required?
5) Is the LCD spec important?
6) Is durability and weather sealing important?
7) Do you intend to use "machine gun" function for photos?

Hi Reportage,

Thanks for your comprehensive check list.

1) Is keeping your GF happy worth getting a Canon camera? Yes
2) Will you be using the D90 video function? Can do without
3) Have you seen each camera performance at iso1600 and above? No but the higher the ISO the grainier the image? right?
4) Is face detection required? Nope
5) Is the LCD spec important? Just as long it is big enough to view and see
6) Is durability and weather sealing important? Durability is important.
7) Do you intend to use "machine gun" function for photos? Not at the moment.

 

[Eng Hoe]

Sometimes sharing lens and accessories may not be as easy as you think it would be. Imagine if you have a standard zoom lens, like the 17-55 f2.8 and both of you go travelling together. For me, I might not have the patient to wait for my turn. Just a thought.

 

[boyboy]

u want better colours just get a film SLR.

seriously, go along with ur gf's choice of canon (no need same model) so that you can share lenses. buy one lens, two pple can use (though not at the same time). swop around =)

nikon user here btw.

 

[boyboy]

hi all,

Really appreciate all your replies so far. Hmmm seems like its Canon 40D so far but haven got the chance to feel it yet. I realise nikon cameras are rather bulky.

For the D90 every shop seems to be out of stock now so no chance to feel it. Compared to the 40D its newer and lower price right? Haha.

Now I can safely strike out canon 50d cause its way too ex and its for pros. Now its either nikon d 90 or canon 40D. I am using canon eos 88 slr so I do not have any preference.

Nevertheless keep the comments coming and thanks all once again. side track a little though its a nikon thread people seems to be really objective here. Haha.




N

uh. do try the nikons just for fun but it's also about being practical.

imho, all the brands make decent SLR with their various strengths and weaknesses (shall not elaborate). but ultimately, if u can share lenses (or other gears such as flash), it will be a very big plus. also, given the tendency for guys to be somewhat more tech-savvy than gals, if u are familiar with canon menus u can help her out if she needs, too..

 

[plastikcanvas]

u want better colours just get a film SLR.

seriously, go along with ur gf's choice of canon (no need same model) so that you can share lenses. buy one lens, two pple can use (though not at the same time). swop around =)

nikon user here btw.

uh. do try the nikons just for fun but it's also about being practical.

imho, all the brands make decent SLR with their various strengths and weaknesses (shall not elaborate). but ultimately, if u can share lenses (or other gears such as flash), it will be a very big plus. also, given the tendency for guys to be somewhat more tech-savvy than gals, if u are familiar with canon menus u can help her out if she needs, too..

Hi dude,

I got a film slr already, canon eos 88 haha. I mean it's a viable thing to swop lens. Anyway when the girls see this "given the tendency for guys to be somewhat more tech-savvy than gals, if u are familiar with canon menus u can help her out if she needs, too.. " you will be stoned man. haha. ;p

I am still open to other comments and ideas before I get my hands on one. Next would be what can you do with $1800 if I buy 40D or D90 which will maximize my budget? (eg: Canon 40D + standard lens + lens hood + 8G card + etc. = $1800 or less)

 

[Pablo]

Hi plastikcanvas,

I sell cameras for a living and as such am fortunate enough to own a couple.

I have the 40D and the D90 at present and they are "BOTH" very good cameras.

You would be most happy with either.

But.

If you think about it; if you buy the 40D single lens IS kit, you can both put toward buying one or two extra lens later on.

By this I mean maybe a macro and a super wide (lens that both are not likely to use at the same time).

You will both be familiar with how each others camera works.

There are many good reasons for you to get the 40D :thumbsup:

 

[blue_quartz]

Hi Reportage,

Thanks for your comprehensive check list.

1) Is keeping your GF happy worth getting a Canon camera? Yes
2) Will you be using the D90 video function? Can do without
3) Have you seen each camera performance at iso1600 and above? No but the higher the ISO the grainier the image? right?
4) Is face detection required? Nope
5) Is the LCD spec important? Just as long it is big enough to view and see
6) Is durability and weather sealing important? Durability is important.
7) Do you intend to use "machine gun" function for photos? Not at the moment.

3) D90's ISO 1600 images are still keepers compared to the older D80. If I'm not wrong it should still perform slightly better than the 40D at ISO 1600. Using up to ISO 1600 allows you to go for low-light photography without engaging the use of flash, yet.

5) The reason for this checklist item is that the 3" LCD screen on the D90 contains 920k dots whereas the same 3" screen on the 40D only has 230k dots. And with most tech terminology, the bigger the better... Actually most people should be fine with 230k, but once you see 920k it's very hard to go back liao, hahahaha...

6) Certainly, the 40D has a better and heavier body compared to the D90, but there's no reason why the D90's "cheaper" body can't last for a couple of years without any extreme cases of carelessness such as dropping on the floor or spraying water on it... D70/70s/80 users can attest to this.

 

[faineant]

Thanks guys, i went to have a feel of the Canon 40D earlier on and it was good so far. haven felt the D90 yet. Don't worry faineant I won't go for a DSLR because if the video function! haha it's ridiculous.

Btw what do you mean by "All I can say is, once you go 920K dots; you can never go back."

Thanks.

That's good, dSLR is still primarily photography equipment.

What I mean is; the moment your camera has 920K dots; you will never settle for less because the LCD is brilliant. More dots means better. Period.

The reason why 920K to Nikon owners is important is due to the camera's ability to do editing in the camera itself. As strange as it sounds, some people enjoy editing on a 3 inch screen. As such it is more important in these circumstances to have a better screen. To put it simply, 920K is just par excellence.

To prevent any C vs. N garbage. I shall just bring your attention to comparing the 40D screen vs. the 50D. Go to the camera shops, take a photo with both cameras. View it on the screen on both cameras, maybe do a few zoom-ins.

Then you will understand what I mean.

Of course this is just one of the many variables that lead up to a final decision. I'm just referring to your query of my comment. :thumbsup:

 

[plastikcanvas]

Hi plastikcanvas,

I sell cameras for a living and as such am fortunate enough to own a couple.

I have the 40D and the D90 at present and they are "BOTH" very good cameras.

You would be most happy with either.

But.

If you think about it; if you buy the 40D single lens IS kit, you can both put toward buying one or two extra lens later on.

By this I mean maybe a macro and a super wide (lens that both are not likely to use at the same time).

You will both be familiar with how each others camera works.

There are many good reasons for you to get the 40D :thumbsup:

3) D90's ISO 1600 images are still keepers compared to the older D80. If I'm not wrong it should still perform slightly better than the 40D at ISO 1600. Using up to ISO 1600 allows you to go for low-light photography without engaging the use of flash, yet.

5) The reason for this checklist item is that the 3" LCD screen on the D90 contains 920k dots whereas the same 3" screen on the 40D only has 230k dots. And with most tech terminology, the bigger the better... Actually most people should be fine with 230k, but once you see 920k it's very hard to go back liao, hahahaha...

6) Certainly, the 40D has a better and heavier body compared to the D90, but there's no reason why the D90's "cheaper" body can't last for a couple of years without any extreme cases of carelessness such as dropping on the floor or spraying water on it... D70/70s/80 users can attest to this.

That's good, dSLR is still primarily photography equipment.

What I mean is; the moment your camera has 920K dots; you will never settle for less because the LCD is brilliant. More dots means better. Period.

The reason why 920K to Nikon owners is important is due to the camera's ability to do editing in the camera itself. As strange as it sounds, some people enjoy editing on a 3 inch screen. As such it is more important in these circumstances to have a better screen. To put it simply, 920K is just par excellence.

To prevent any C vs. N garbage. I shall just bring your attention to comparing the 40D screen vs. the 50D. Go to the camera shops, take a photo with both cameras. View it on the screen on both cameras, maybe do a few zoom-ins.

Then you will understand what I mean.

Of course this is just one of the many variables that lead up to a final decision. I'm just referring to your query of my comment. :thumbsup:

Pablo: Really appreciate your insights regarding both cameras, guess owning both cameras really helped me in my decision making. And you owned a camera shop makes it more credible.

blue_quartz: Now I know what you mean. I guess for the 920K dots screen I can do without it for the TIME being, haha cannot expect all the goodies to be in one camera. I got to sacrifice some. And I didn't know you spray water on the camera! wth.

faineant: Yah i do not want a C v N war here, but all the peeps have been really good and objective so far. Like I said the screen don't matter "at the moment" but liked you said you will never go back once you see it. haha.

In conclusion, thanks all for your precious comments and feedback. I am now 90% sure of what I am going to get after all your comments and suggestions.

It's the....*drum roll* please..... CANON 40D.

now it's the bargaining and accessories i could buy with my budget. :S ahhhhh..

 

[.Hack]

In conclusion, thanks all for your precious comments and feedback. I am now 90% sure of what I am going to get after all your comments and suggestions.

It's the....*drum roll* please..... CANON 40D.

now it's the bargaining and accessories i could buy with my budget. :S ahhhhh..

Good that you have made up your mind.
Now find a good deal, get it, and enjoy shooting with it.

 

[chngpe01]

Good that you have made up your mind.
Now find a good deal, get it, and enjoy shooting with it.

Agree it is a good decision, choosing a brand it not just the technicality but also the softer side of it.

This thread has served it purposed and will be closed